Client Advocate

The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer.  Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases.  Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case.  Our attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and legal assistants take great pride in providing a high level of service.  
 
This is a Non-Civil service announcement. Social Worker Seniors serve as Client Advocates on the Client Services and Mitigation team.  They work to support our mission and assist clients with access to resources and treatment as well as provide support to the defense team in development of release plans and mitigation. This is a writing intensive position.  We are seeking candidates who have a passion for social justice and specifically for the issues surrounding indigent defense and the criminal justice system. Candidates are strongly encouraged to learn more about our organization online before applying: http://publicdefender.nashville.gov
 

Major Job Responsibilities

• Consultation with attorneys regarding potential mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or intellectual and developmental issues of clients:

1. Identify client’s challenges and barriers to receiving services
2. Assist in discerning the need for forensic evaluations
3. Build trust with client using empathy, active listening, and a client centered approach
4. Work with attorneys by utilizing education on social service processes and strategic mitigation 
5. Interview clients and document their history 
6. Provide re-entry documentation 

 

• Facilitation of treatment admissions and service brokerage:

1. Identify appropriate treatment options (mental health, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, etc.)
2. Facilitate and troubleshoot through the application and admission process
3. Request and review medical records

 

• Emergency assistance:

1. Assist clients in crisis
2. Assist clients in need of necessities (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.)

 

• Provide regular visitation and support to clients’ experiencing long-term incarceration pending disposition of the case
• Emphasize cultural competence when interacting with clients that identify as: people of color, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness, etc.
• Defense team support and consultation on major felony cases
• Testify in court 
• Develop strong collaborations with community-based agencies, organizations, and universities
• Accurate record keeping:  

1. Document work with clients 
2. Writing reports 

 

• Attend trainings and continuing education as needed

 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, sociology, or a related degree, AND

Two (2) years or more experience working in a social services agency, working with marginalized communities, or working in the criminal justice system

• Master’s Degree in counseling, psychology, social work, sociology, or a related discipline preferred, AND 

One (1) year experience working in a social services agency, working with marginalized communities, or working in the criminal justice system

 

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
 
Note: Per Metro Ordinance No.SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. 
   
Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
 
Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Candice Humphrey at 615-862-5565 or candicechumphrey@jisnashville.gov
  
 
 
 

Salary : $57,958 - $75,343